New cycling safety laws roll out across NSW

New cycling safety measures to make roads safer for cyclists and motorists will roll out across NSW from 1 March.

New safety laws to protect cyclists and motorist in NSW will begin on 1 March 2016.

Minister for Roads Duncan Gay said the new measures aim to put cycling safety at the forefront of all road users minds.

“If these changes are taken as intended, motorists will be mindful of their minimum passing distance requirements and cyclists are more likely to obey the law and avoid high-risk behaviour such as running red lights,” Mr Gay said.

From 1 March 2016 new safety measures include:

Drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of at least 1 metre when the speed limit is 60km/h or less

Drivers who pass a bicycle rider must allow a distance of 1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60km/h.

If drivers cannot pass a bicycle rider safely, they should slow down and wait until it is safe to pass the rider, leaving the minimum distance.

Drivers caught not allowing the minimum distance when passing a bicycle rider could face a $319 fine and the loss of two demerit points.

The new laws also include increased penalties for bicycle riders to prevent them from dangerous behaviour such as running a red light. From 2017 bicycle riders will be required to produce photo identification when stopped by police who suspect they have committed an offence.